Participate 2024

THIS PAGE is a GUIDE for PARTICIPATING in OSH

November aims to get back to the "extravaganza" OSH was pre-pandemic by featuring more venues, studios and artists city-wide; targeting and attracting art buyers; encouraging people to visit multiple venues, audience development and community awareness.

To learn more about OSH and its history, click here.

EKPHRASIS: Poetry, Music & Dance Inspired by Visual Art - Date TBD

OPEN STUDIO HARTFORD DETAILS

INTRODUCTION: For the past 30 years, OSH has been an expansive, city-wide event providing a great place for artists to show their work to thousands of visitors in a face-to-face environment, sell artwork or custom services, nurture dedicated followers and develop new relationships. Before the pandemic, up to 400 artists participated annually in dozens of venues bringing visitors to Hartford's neighborhoods. Artists In Real Time, Inc. (ART), producers of OSH, support and promote the arts, the individual artists and their work, while inspiring community creativity. For the public, OSH is a free, self-guided tour of live-in/work studios, galleries, educational institutions and related businesses. 

HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?
DETAILS to OPEN your VENUE, STUDIO or join as a VISITING ARTIST

VENUE: A "venue" generally refers to a stand-alone building or business. You are welcome to showcase your business solely, your tenants or members, invite individual or artist groups to display their work in your space or other configuration. Each venue is different in logistics, marketing and cost. Venues can consider sponsorship levels for further visibility in the marketing campaign starting at $250. In addition, applying for grants or seeking funding for your participation is encouraged. Venues are individually credited in all publicity. The venue owner or manager works closely with the OSH coordinator.

•  All venues will be provided OSH signage for identification
•  Notify us if your venue can use sponsor signage or banners
•  Where possible, 8 foot Open Studio signs & balloons will be distributed
•  Be sure your venue is ready for the public including safety and a conducive environment
•  Hang helpful, directional signage and maps where necessary
•  Work with the coordinator to market your venue with press releases etc.

STUDIO: Your studio may be a VENUE of its own or could be housed in a conglomerate (such as ArtSpace or 56 Arbor). You may be provided with an "Open Studio" sign but be sure to identify your door and make it welcoming for visitors. 

•  Provide refreshments such as easy-to-eat snacks and beverages & play background music
•  Make your studio ready for the public including a safe and conducive environment 
•  Hang posters for your studio in the common areas, elevators, entrances (use QR codes)
•  Have an art project in progress to work on live or an interactive project for adults and children

VISITING ARTIST: If you do not have a studio or are from out of town, you will be assigned to a group location (such as ArtSpace, Parkville Market, 1429 Park). OSH tries to accommodate requests for preferred venues depending upon availability. Each artist is assigned a space appropriate to their needs. Sizes, regulations and schedules vary by venue. At certain venues, picture hangers and nails can be used. If placed in a corridor, generally, displays cannot extend beyond 18" from the wall per the Fire Marshal. Breakdown instructions vary per venue.

CENTERFLOOR, TABLE and DISPLAY SYSTEMS: If you display your work without the use of walls, please inform us upon registration on Part 2 of the registration form. You will be assigned a 10x10' or larger space.

RENTALS: Table/chair rentals are available at ArtSpace and 1429 Park (at cost).

ALL PARTICIPANTS:
•  Can fill their space with as much artwork as they wish
•  Should offer business cards or other handouts with contact info
•  Use social media handles and QR codes
•  Man their space for the full event (bring a friend!)
•  Remain open and available for the entire show

•  ALL participants should be welcoming and upbeat with the visitors!!

EKPHRASIS: POETRY, MUSIC & DANCE inspired by VISUAL ART: Check back for further details. For basic information, CLICK HERE.

-  ONLINE GALLERY &  ARTIST PROFILE PAGES -

In response to the pandemic, OSH 2020 featured an Online Gallery and Artist Profiles offering opportunities for sales and visibility at a reasonable rate without in-person studio visits, setting up a space as a visiting artist or manning the event the entire weekend. Visitors had the freedom to access artists and artwork by browsing our Online Gallery and discovering new artists at their convenience. By-appointment visits to your studio were optional. 

Artists continue to be represented in an attractive Online Gallery featuring one artwork of your choosing, along with your Publication Name and short description of your work which clicks to the Artist Profile Page.

Each participant receives a custom designed, page to suit the individual or organization. Four images will be imported with title, dimensions and price from your registration form. The Statement/Bio field accepts "unlimited" copy, links to pre-existing online content and video files. Additional copy, photos and links can be emailed to info@openstudiohartford.com. It can act as a mini-website for those that do not have one. We work closely with each artist to create a simple or lengthy page. Providing ALL contact info is recommended.

- PREVIOUS ARTIST PROFILE PAGES links are available by contacting info@openstudiohartford.com. 

- VIDEOS - Artists can provide interviews, studio tours and live demonstrations by including files or links to be included on Artist Profile Pages and for online promotions.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

- REGISTRATION – Online form will be available on August 1, 2024. Once your form is received, OSH will be in touch to instruct you of your next steps and to see and proofread your profile page. Additional images, copy, links and videos will be accepted. If you need a hard copy form, contact info@openstudiohartford.com.

- FEES -  Artist registration for studios or space for a visiting artist remains at $60. The Online Gallery or the Group Show Only is $25. Vendors pay $75. Individual venues pay $75. Each category includes the production of a Profile page. If you cannot afford your fee, ART may be able to help. Sponsorships, artist sponsorships and tax deductible donations are accepted. 

- PAYMENT OPTIONS - To pay online, Click Here Or mail check to Artists in Real Time (ART), c/o Cynthia Bulaong, 140 Huyshope Avenue #624, Hartford, CT 06106

- DATES & DEADLINES - Registration will open for November 2024 in early August and is ongoing with promotional benefits not guaranteed after October 1st. For Online Gallery Only, no deadlines apply; your registration will be processed upon receipt.